Jason Oppenheim says Selling Sunset agents will represent LA fire victims for free

Jason Oppenheim is stepping up to do his part to help the people who’ve lost their homes in the devastating LA fires.

The Selling Sunset star announced his agency, The Oppenheim Group, will be representing fire victims searching for a new rental for free. 

‘If you’ve lost your home in the Los Angeles fires and you need to find a place to rent until your home is rebuilt, all Oppenheim Group agents will represent you for free or credit you back any commission we receive in the transaction,’ he wrote in an Instagram video on Saturday.

In the video, Jason said he had been hearing from ‘friends and clients’ who had lost their homes and now needed help finding a new place to reside.  

‘I woke up this morning to a lot of friends and clients reaching out because they lost their homes over the last couple of days and they need help with places to live now,’ Jason, 47, said. 

‘Their families are displaced and as real estate agents, we obviously have an obligation to help them find a place,’ he continued. 

‘Even when it’s going to be difficult with thousands of people [are] looking for places and [there are] not nearly as many houses available.’

He also urged other Los Angeles relators to follow his lead before concluding with, ‘This is our time to be able to give back. Everyone stay safe, thanks.’

Jason’s offer comes after he accused mercenary landlords of attempting to capitalize on the LA wildfires by ‘illegally’ increasing rental prices.

More than 12,000 homes have burnt to the ground and 37,000 acres of land destroyed as the raging inferno continues to sweep across the southern California city.

The celebrity realtor lashed out at local landlords for overlooking state laws that prohibit people taking advantage of a natural disaster.

‘I think it should be exposed, but we’re having landlords taking advantage of the situation,’ he said during an appearance on BBC on Sunday.

‘I had a client. We sent him to a house that was asking $13,000 a month. He offered $20,000 a month, and he offered to pay six months up front. And the landlord said: “No, I want $23,000 a month.”‘

He added: ‘There are price gouging laws in California. They’re just being ignored right now, and this isn’t the time to be taking advantage of situations, and it’s also illegal to take advantage of a natural disaster.

‘I researched the law last night. You cannot charge more than 10% pre-disaster market rates.’

The head of The Oppenheim Group and Selling Sunset star, 47, shared a video to his Instagram account explaining his idea. Seen here June 7, 2024

‘I woke up this morning to a lot of friends and clients reaching out because the lost their homes over the last couple of days and they need help with places to live now,’ Jason said

‘Their families are displaced and as real estate agents, we obviously have an obligation to help them find a place,’ he continued

‘I can’t even put words to it,’ Oppenheim said. ‘I never could have imagined that this would have happened here.’

Several off-ramps to the 405 Freeway including Getty Center Drive, southbound Skirball Center Drive, southbound Sunset have been closed as the fire spread to the neighborhood of Brentwood on Saturday.

The Palisades fire started on Tuesday morning and the Eaton fire in Pasadena began not long after.

The fires were sparked by the Santa Ana winds, which saw gusts of up to 80 to 100mph on Tuesday and Wednesday as fire fighters tried to get a handle on the blazes.

Entire neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades and Altadena have been wiped off the map due to the blazes.

The Eaton Fire is 14,117 acres and 27% contained, while the Palisades Fire is 23,707 acres and only 11% contained, according to Cal Fire. A blaze in the West Hills area, named the Kenneth Fire, has also been completely contained. 

Many celebrities have seen their multi-million dollar mansions razed to the ground as the fire spread to Hollywood Hills and Calabasas.

‘Even when it’s going to be difficult with thousands of people [are] looking for places and [there are] not nearly as many houses available’

He also urged other Los Angeles relators to follow his lead before concluding with, ‘This is our time to be able to give back. Everyone stay safe, thanks.’ Seen here July 11, 2024

Oppenheim detailed the emotional aspects of the fires during his BBC appearance as well. 

‘Communities like Altadena, you know, very hard working class areas and these people really lost not just their homes, but their belongings, their clothes.

‘Forget about the $50 to $100 billion of damage that’s caused, it’s emotional for everyone. 

‘I mean, I think everyone just has tears and, you know, in their eyes all day long, not literally from the smoke, but also just because it’s emotional to see people struggling like this.’

He added: ‘We are so resilient… we’ll rebuild better and with stronger foundations.’